Welsh Government preparing new Carers Strategy to meet the needs of an ageing populace

The Welsh Government are currently consulting on a Bill designed to support the role of carers, by giving them equivalent rights to the older or disabled relatives they care for.

To be fully set out in the new year, the new Carers Strategy is expected to demand that local authorities assess caring roles in a similar fashion to those who require care provision, as ministers recognise that supporting the role of unpaid carers is essential is meeting the challenges of an ageing population.

Deputy minister for children and social services, Gwenda Thomas, who was recently honoured for her contribution at the 10th annual Wales Care Awards, comments on the importance of the consultation:

“As a society we owe a huge debt to the large number of people who provide unpaid care and support to relatives, friends or neighbours who are disabled, frail or otherwise vulnerable. It is vitally important that these many unpaid carers are themselves supported and are not disadvantaged as a result of their caring role. This is especially important for young carers.

“This strategy seeks to provide a framework for that support, which is delivered by many different agencies including social and health services, third sector organisations, education and training providers, and employers.”

Ministers hope to finalise proposals over the next 12 weeks, with a view to publishing the Bill in April 2013.

Ms Thomas continues: “I want us to celebrate that Wales has an ageing population. The proportion of older people in Wales is the highest among the UK nations and this will continue to be the case for the next 20 years.

“This is not a matter of treating everyone the same way. We must look at people and recognise their capabilities and ambitions and we must challenge the long-established negative perceptions and stereotypes about age and ageing.

“There is a need to work collectively and embrace this reality for the opportunities and challenges it brings to deliver our long term commitment to improving the lives of older people in Wales.”

Pictured above is Gwenda Thomas and her husband